Six local WWII veterans attend memorial dedication in Brickerville

Photo by Stan Hall
Nevin May served as master of ceremonies during the dedication of the Elizabeth Township Veterans' Memorial May 29.Photo by Stan Hall
Nevin May served as master of ceremonies during the dedication of the Elizabeth Township Veterans' Memorial May 29.

The newly-moved Elizabeth Township Veterans’ Memorial was dedicated May 29 at its new location in the Elizabeth Township Community Park. Local Vietnam veteran Nevin May was the master of ceremonies.

"The original World War II Roll of Honor, sponsored by the Baron Stiegel Lion’s Club, listed 55 names from Elizabeth Township," May said. "Fifty-one were male and four were female. We researched and found eight surviving names. Six attended the dedication ceremony."

The six surviving WWII veterans in attendance were Fern and Norm Eckert, George and Clayton Elser, Alfred Kline and Russell Strauss. Pauline Risser and Gloria Seiverling Grube were unable to attend.

Three township residents gave their lives in service to their country during WW II: Carl Boehler, Earl Edwards and Charles Zartman. One resident, J. Dennis Webster, Jr., was killed during the Vietnam War.

A floral wreath with four gold stars was laid and candles were lit in their memory. There was also a gun salute and taps was played.

Carl Lorah presented two songs, and Scott Haldeman of New Beginnings Church offered the prayer, scripture reading and benediction.

"The township would really like to thank the veterans (committee) for the fabulous job they did on the structure and the presentation ceremony."

"Thank you, again, for your support," said veteran Dave Snaveyl. "We were all pleased with it and Nevin (May) did a great job with the ceremony."

Wiker thanked the American Legion, the VFW, the Lions Club and the residents who donated funds and time to the project.

"It really turned out nice," Snavely concluded.

In other

township business

The supervisors continued their discussion of storm water drainage problems in the Community Park. The area between the Keener Road parking lot and the ball field was soggy for much of the spring.

Supervisor Rodney May said he and Road Master Glenn Martin opened the storm water pipe drain caps to see if the existing system is functioning properly. There was no water in the pipe, suggesting it is not. They dug down and looked at the landscape cloth and stone bed surrounding the pipe, and they were relatively dry.

"This year was exceptionally wet," Wiker said. "We had 20 inches of rain in three months. I think we should wait until next year and see how it is in a more normal year."

After discussion, including the mention of springs on neighboring properties flowing into the park and contributing to the problem, the supervisors decided to ask the "very capable road crew" to determine the slope of the swale and perhaps do some re-grading if necessary.

This course of action will avoid "spending money on engineering costs and other labor," said township assistant secretary and treasurer Rita Snavely. "(We’re) taking the conservative route for now."

The supervisors awarded a bid to install a sand mound sewage system at the community park. Bottom Line Contracting was the low bidder at $25,530.

May publicly thanked Mike Thomas, Lamar "Sonny" Eberly and John Deibler for "helping out at the park over the last few months." The men helped with lawn and landscape care and other light maintenance.

The intersection of Route 501 and Brubaker Valley Road was another topic of discussion.

The east traffic light pole at that crossroad has been an issue for tractor trailers for some time. Trucks turning from East Brubaker Valley Road north onto Rt. 501 have clipped the light pole and even run into the neighboring lawn.

At the same intersection, cars traveling north on Rt. 501 often use the shoulder as a right turn lane, causing problems for other cars who attempt to make a right turn from the lane of travel.

PennDOT would like to address the pole problems by adding signage and pavement stripes indicating "No Turns From Shoulder." The supervisors approved a resolution regarding PennDOT’s application for a traffic signal permit revision.

"It’s two state roads and we pay the bill?" commented resident Gordon Wagner.

Elsewhere, PennDOT is re-surfacing a large part of Rt. 322 in the township, with much of the work being completed at night. The project is expected to be completed some time in July.

In other business, Dick Bergey, Elizabeth Township representative to the Lititz recCenter board, submitted his resignation because of scheduling conflicts. The supervisors accepted his resignation "with regrets." In his letter of resignation, Bergey suggested the supervisors appoint resident William Coleman as his replacement. With no discussion, the supervisors did so.

Wiker mentioned that he observed a very large bonfire one evening recently. Residents are reminded that, although small recreational campfires are allowed after dark, trash and brush must be burned during daylight hours. Precautions must be taken to prevent the fire from spreading. The resident in question will be sent a copy of the township’s burning ordinance.

Upcoming events in the township include a summer playground program sponsored by The Lititz recCenter, beginning June 21. The popular annual program is held in the Tot Lot at the municipal building at Sleepy Hollow Road and South View Drive. Organized activities will be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon for children ages five to 12 years. The program runs through Aug. 11. There is no cost.

The Brickerville United Lutheran Church’s annual picnic will feature the Ringgold Band on July 2 in the picnic grove on East 28th Division Highway (Rt. 322).

The Brickerville Fire Company’s Community Day will be on July 9 at the fire hall. A gospel music group, door prizes, raffles and fireworks will be included in the festivities.

In other business:

The Brickerville Fire Company responded to three incidents and the fire police responded to seven calls in May. The ambulance association answered 30 calls.

The zoning enforcement officer issued five permits in May for work valued at $82,699.

The sewage enforcement officer issued permits for one new temporary placement system in May. He performed one percolation test and two probe readings.

Road Master Martin’s report stated that Snavely Mill Road was paved last month in conjunction with Warwick Township. He thanked Warwick for its assistance in the project. About half of the planned oil and chip paving projects in Elizabeth Township developments have been completed.

Bingo is held every Tuesday at the Brickerville Fire Hall, 10 Hopeland Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., the kitchen opens at 5:30 and the games begin at 7.

The Brickerville fire hall is available for rental for family and group functions. Call 626-6711.

Preschool story time is held the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Elizabeth Township municipal building, 423 Southview Drive. Children and their caregivers are invited to attend this free program sponsored by the Lititz Public Library.

Monthly recycling will be received at the municipal building on Saturday, July 2, from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are needed to man the station some months this year.

The next board of supervisors meeting will be held Monday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building. More ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, page A20